Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 17, 1991 TAG: 9103170174
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Staff report
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"Fred has given a lifetime of service and devotion to the people of the Roanoke Valley as a coach, educator, official, recreational leader and just plain friend," Corbin Bailey, a member of the Fred Smith Tribute Fund Committee, said last week. "We thought this would be a small way we could show our appreciation for what he has meant in our lives."
Smith, 82, is a native of Bristol, Tenn., where he starred in football, basketball and baseball at Tennessee High. He won a football scholarship to Roanoke College and was a regular guard for four years. He won all-state honors as a junior and a senior. He was an honor graduate in 1932 and was president of his senior class. He is a member of Roanoke's Sports Hall of Fame.
His first coaching position was as a football and basketball assistant to the late A.D. "Hunk" Hurt at Jefferson High. He later moved to Covington as head coach, then returned to Roanoke College as a freshman coach.
He began a long and outstanding career as coach and athletic director at William Fleming High in 1938. He served as football coach for 29 years, as track coach for 19 years, as basketball coach for 13 years, as wrestling coach - a sport which he started at Fleming - for 12 years and as baseball coach for two years.
When he retired in 1972, he was honored with a party at Roanoke Civic Center. Among the gifts and presents he received was a letter of congratulation from then-President Richard M. Nixon.
In addition to his coaching, Smith was an outstanding official in basketball, softball and baseball for many years.
Among the honors and awards Smith has received over the years are:
Two William Fleming annuals dedicated to him.
Selected "Father of the Year" in youth activities.
Selected "Citizen of the Year" for the Roanoke Valley.
Presented a new car in 1968 after 30 years as football coach.
Honored with a 75th birthday party; gifts included a plaque from the Roanoke City Department of Parks and Recreation for more than 50 years service.
An 80th birthday party at Roanoke Civic Center; gifts included the key to the City of Roanoke.
Smith recently was seriously injured in an auto accident and is still recovering in the Roanoke Memorial Rehabilitation Center.
"We want to give all of Fred's friends the opportunity to share in this event," Bailey said. "And we really appreciate the cooperation we have received in this project from the City of Roanoke."
Those who would like to participate can do so by mailing their checks to the Fred Smith Tribute Fund, Box 751, Roanoke, Va., 24004.
For additional information, call Harry Whiteside at 774-4634, Herb Weaver at 344-9656, Harry Bushkar at 774-7353 or Don Bartol at 989-9800.
by CNB